The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1887-10-15
AMERICAN GIRL,
A Cousin To Bohemian Girl,
Tenders the Benefit Of Her Experience
to Younger Sisters.

America How sweet the name
The land of the free and the home OF
the brave. How glorious the
thought. But while many are happy
and free, are there not many who
are serss and much oppressed?
Kind sisters, i am an American
lass of over Is summers, free and
happy, and have seen much of both
country and city life, and have come
forth to defend neither, but to try to
discuss the acts of the modern belle
as they really are.
Why is the young lady of modern
times less robust and healthful than
her sister of few generations agoi
Why does her face present a pale,
more languid, less beautiful and a
less healthy appearance?
If you will visit the home of some
of these young ladies, i will show
you there, better answer than am
able to give. Although there are q
few exceptions, but in the higher so
cial circles, there are only few in.
deed.
Here, we find the daughter in the
parlor dressed in founces and ruffles
wearing smile of welcome to hel
many callers, spending her time
banging on the piano, over some
trashy novel, at some entertainment
or promenading or driving; while
mother is either in the kitchen ovel
the wash-tub, or straining her eyes
over some fine stitching or embroid-
cry, and perhaps at this very mo
ment, Miss Slammer is hammerina
on the piano or smiling sweetly upon
some spoony young man, and if Ma
were to call for pail of water from
the spring. behold how quickly the
smile disappears and what fright
full frown or scowl takes it's place.
Now my dear sisters isn't this
shameful, yea, more than this; isn't
it disgraceful?
What do you say honest, fair
minded young ladies, you who APP
preciate the health and happiness
there is attached to making mothers
life lasting and pleasant? She who
has borne so much for you, and is
willing no doubt to labor hard, the
remaining few years allotted to her
for your entire enjoyment; but is
it right for you to permit it? Is
it right for her to do so as dutiful
and a Christian mother?
Yet very many of you young la
dies, of both town and country, are
being reared in luxury and indo-
lence, and in many instances where
your fathers Indebtedness is in.
creased by your extravaganza, it is
the very worst kind Of extravaganza
wasting of both time and health
Don't be idle If rich mans
daughter, after the various house
hold duties, you will find both pleas
ure and exercise in administering to
the poor of your immediate vicinity.
Robert Burton says: "Idleness is
the badge of the gentry, the bane OF
body and mind, the nurse of naught-
mess, the step mother of discipline
the officer of all mischief, one of the
seven deadly sins, the cushion upon
which the devil chiefly reposes, and
a great cause not only of melancholy
but great many other diseases, fol
the mind is naturally active, and il
not occupied about some honest bus
mess it rushes into mischief or sinks
into melancholy"
Very few women or men who have
been raised industriously have ever
come to want, and parents, whether
you are rich or poor, it is duty en-
joined upon you by Him who gave
you these precious ones, to raise
them in industry and usefulness.
Very many persons there are who
make loud professions and are never
found engaged at any useful employ
ment.
Yet one thing is certain my sisters
and brothers too, if you are toe
trifiing to take care of your own
body, you will also be too mean to
take care of your soul
Singing and praying are not the
only things that will make you a
Christian, and if you do not perform
your duty in your own family you
will surely "come out at the small end
of the horn when Gabriel shall
make his last and final foot.
And may ask concerning your
future in this life? Do you ever ex-
pect to marry, if so what do you ex.
pect to bring to your husband
Health, wealth and a knowledge Of
housekeeping? Not these for they
are things you do not possess. "Oh,'
you say, Il mean to marry a rich
man." but you cannot always govern
your feelings, and young lady is
most apt to marry the one she loves
best, besides a man, unless he is Q
very rich one, cannot afford always
to hire servants.
Now, dear sisters, if you car
Tighten mothers cares, lift from hei
shoulders any of the burdens of the
household, and make her future life
! pleasant and happy, then l entreat
you to do so with a cheerful hear
and pleasant countenance, and il
systematic in your work, you will
have plenty of time for recreation
and amusement after your labor il
performed.
AS to the way you should spend
your hours of leisure most pleasantly
and profitable may be more fully dis
cussed in subsequent letter, for
do not wish to give the editor any
more trouble this time in decipher
ing the scribblings of an
AMERICAN, GIRL
| THIS week at G.. w. John 4 Co. s